Built by Drikung Kagyu monks from India and Sunray community members in 2001, the Peace Stupa is a Buddhist reliquary statue that represents the Mind of Enlightenment. This sacred peaceful place for prayer and contemplation was envisioned by Venerable Khandro Dhyani Ywahoo and the Ywahoo Lineage. (see note)
The Peace Stupa is a Stupa of Reconciliation and is one of Eight Traditional forms of Stupas.
Kagyu Thubten Choling states
“A Stupa is an architectural manifestation of the enlightened mind and is consecrated, not as a structure, but as a living enlightened presence. Each stupa will have the qualities and power to liberate on sight, planting the seeds of liberation in the mind stream of all beings, human or otherwise. A Stupa is understood to be associated with a vast amount of merit and positive energies. Virtue is accumulated by contributing, repairing, circumambulating or just seeing a stupa to inspire awakened states and bless those who are sick.”
Kagyu Thubten Choling states
“As the symbol of the Buddha’s enlightened mind, the stupa is a field of enormous merit which benefits all beings by preventing disease and obstacles, and by promoting harmony and prosperity. Making any connection with the stupa is a particular blessing those who are sick, crying or experiencing obstacles. The virtue accumulated by contributing even a small amount to this project is inconceivable—like a drop of water becoming inseparable from a great ocean of merit.”
Prior to Buddha’s death, he directed that Stupas should be “erected in many places so that the hearts of many shall be made calm and glad.”
As a Buddhist symbol, Stupas incorporate five basic geometric shapes corresponding the five elements—earth, water, fire, air and space. The base of the Stupa represents the ground and the Earth. Water is represented by the hemispherical vase, the spire that stands towards the sky represents Fire. The upper lotus and the moon represent Air while the Sun represents wisdom.
Placed inside the Stupa are relics, Buddhist treasures, texts and precious items.
Merely by viewing, we receive subtle benefit, experienced as a feeling of peace, well-being and wholeness. People- Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike- walk around the outside base clockwise (circumambulation) and experience a meditative calm.
The Stupa offers a key to awakening higher awareness.
Note from Venerable Dhyani:
“In 1985 my father came to Vermont to move the Sacred Fire to the Peace Village in Lincoln. He envisioned these structures that he saw along the road from the Peace Village to my home. He drew them for me and asked what they were.
“I replied that they were Stupas. His vision was carried forth as we built the first Stupa in 2001.”
Current Fundraising Campaign for the Revitalization of the Peace Stupa
October 2023
Revitalization of the Peace Stupa has begun with scraping, repairing and repainting its full surface. Further stages of revitalization will include enlarging stone pathways to and around the Stupa for circumambulation, installing five vertical prayer flags which spread the benefit as they move in the breeze, planting gardens and installing signage to explain the history and purpose of this Peace Stupa. Members of the Vermont Tibetan community, some of whom circumambulate the Peace Stupa regularly in prayerful meditation, have joined us in these revitalization efforts.
We invite you to join us and support the revitalization of Sunray’s Peace Stupa.
“The virtue accumulated by contributing even a small amount to this project is inconceivable – like a drop of water becoming inseparable from a great ocean of merit.”
Kagyu Thubten Choling